Hurricane Dorian: Atlantic Beach officials update on storm preparations

August 30, 2019 | Times-Union staff - The Florida Times-Union

As Hurricane Dorian makes its way towards Florida, the City of Atlantic Beach urges residents to follow city’s social media, sign up for email updates or download SaferWatch app for news on sandbags, other plans.

The City of Atlantic Beach continues to prepare for Hurricane Dorian. City officials are in continuous dialogue with Duval County emergency preparedness officials and Beaches partner cities.

According to Deputy City Manager Kevin Hogencamp, residents are urged to stay tuned to social media and other local sites for frequent updates.

“Every decision will be made with safety as Priority No. 1 and protecting property as Priority No. 2,” said Hogencamp.

Hogencamp also urged families to review their hurricane plan. For information on hurricane preparedness, visit JaxReady.com or Hurricanes.gov/Prepare.

The City of Atlantic Beach’s messaging about Dorian will be made via:

City of Atlantic Beach website (COAB.us)
City of Atlantic Beach Facebook page (Facebook.com/CityOfAtlanticBeach)
City of Atlantic Beach e-mails (email info@coab.us to sign up)
Atlantic Beach Police Department Facebook page (Facebook.com/AtlanticBeachPD)
Atlantic Beach Police Department Twitter account (@AtlanticBeachPD)
SaferWatch app for Atlantic Beach residents. To download or learn more, go to SaferWatchApp.com/atlanticbeach/.

Here is additional information related to Hurricane Dorian preparations:

Sandbags. No decision has been made about whether sandbags will be made available to Atlantic Beach residents. An announcement is forthcoming via one of these updates.

Re-entry passes. Re-entry passes are no longer issued in the event of a mandatory evacuation. Rather, state-issued IDs with Atlantic Beach addresses, or other documentation demonstrating Atlantic Beach residency or business ownership, may be required for re-entry. (A mandatory evacuation is not anticipated in Northeast Florida before Dorian.)

Retention ponds. As it does before all extreme weather events, Atlantic Beach public works crews are clearing storm drains, pumping down public retention ponds, and otherwise taking action to protect against flooding and wind damage.

Steer clear of flooded roads. It is anticipated that Dorian will produce significant rainfall in Northeast Florida. Never drive on flooded roads; almost half of flood deaths happen in vehicles. If you encounter high water on a roadway, “turn around, don’t drown.” If you must drive during heavy rain … take your time, turn your lights on, and give other vehicles more space.

Dangerous debris. When high winds are forecast, please secure all potentially dangerous debris.

Special needs medical registration. Residents who are medically dependent on electricity or require basic medical assistance may require help during evacuations and sheltering. Register for this assistance well in advance of a storm, or get more information, at COJ.net/specialmedicalneeds.

All for one and one for all. As you prepare your home and family for the storm, please check on any elderly neighbors or others that may need help.

“We encourage everyone to look out for those around you, and if you have extra time or resources, please help those that may need it,” Hogencamp said.

At risk includes elderly, homebound and those otherwise unable to evacuate. If you are aware of an at-risk neighbor in Atlantic Beach who may need assistance, email khogencamp@coab.us or call (904) 247-5804.

Notice to senior citizens from Beaches Dial-A-Ride — If a mandatory evacuation is ordered for the beaches, Dial-A-Ride vehicles will be available for non-medical transport of seniors and disabled citizens to designated shelters. If you need transportation to a shelter, contact Dial-A-Ride as soon as possible and provide your name, address and phone number as well as any other pertinent information. Dial-A-Ride normal office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone (904) 246-1477.

Further questions about the City of Atlantic Beach’s preparation for Hurricane Dorian may be directed to Hogencamp at khogencamp@coab.us or (904) 477-5325.

Source: https://www.jacksonville.com/lifestyle/20190830/hurricane-dorian-atlantic-beach-officials-update-on-storm-preparations

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